SUBMERGED: Avon and Somerset Police Underwater Search Unit inspect an abandoned car as they head to the village of Muchelney [PA]

Later on Saturday, storms swept through south-east England.

In Surrey, residents reported a "mini-tornado".

Horse-owner Shirley Blay was at the Jolly Blossom Stables in Chobham when the severe weather struck.

"We've got four feral cats in the yard and they were being lifted off the ground - about 6ft off the ground - they just went round like a big paper bag," she told the BBC.

Up to 13,000 households were left without power throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey, UK Power Networks said.

A "mini-tornado" was also reported to have left a trail of destruction in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Strong wind ripped off roofs, forcing some residents to take shelter in church halls and community centres.

ICY: A snow plough makes its way along the A66 in the North Pennines [PA]

The Environment Agency has issued more than 100 flood alerts and 10 more serious flood warnings across the south west, as forecasters warned of more heavy rain today.

A "major incident" has been declared by Somerset County Council, with the already flooded Somerset Levels set to be hit by a new deluge.

The chief forecaster for the Met Office said: "More heavy rain will spread east across the area on Sunday. Given the current disruption on the Somerset Levels, the public should be prepared for further flooding."

Some villages have been cut off due to floods since the beginning of January.

A pontoon bridge has been built for residents of Muchelney and Thorney, with a vital tractor service helping to transport locals along flooded roads.

STRUGGLE: Prince Philip battles with an umbrella as he attends church in Sandringham [PAUL MARRIOTT]

“We've got four feral cats in the yard and they were being lifted off the ground - about 6ft off the ground - they just went round like a big paper bag”

Horse-owner Shirley Blay

Icier weather arrived in the north of England, with snow falling on the hills of the North Pennines.

At Sandringham in Norfolk, both the Queen and Prince Philip were caught out by the miserable weather, as they attended St. Mary Magdalene Church this morning.

The Duke of Edinburgh was spotted battling with an umbrella as he made his way through the wind and rain.